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Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Philippines, U.S., hold joint maritime drills for seventh time
FILE PHOTO: An Apache helicopter flies by during the annual joint military exercises between the U.S. and Philippine troops called \"Balikatan\" or shoulder-to-shoulder, in Aparri, Cagayan province, Philippines, May 3, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/File Photo MANILA - The Philippines and United States militaries have sailed together in the South China Sea for a seventh time to boost interoperability between the two sides, Manila's armed forces said on Thursday. The exercises, held on Wednesday in waters off the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Zambales and away from contested features, included joint operations near shorelines as well as fire support. "The MCA (maritime cooperative activity) is a demonstration of both nations' resolve to deepen cooperation and enhance interoperability in line with international law," the Philippine armed forces said in a statement. The joint sail also showcased the Philippine vessel Miguel Malvar, a 118-metre guided missile frigate commissioned last month. It is one of two corvettes built by South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries under the Philippines' military modernisation programme. Military engagements between the treaty allies have soared under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has pivoted closer to Washington in response to China's growing presence in the South China Sea. China claims sovereignty over nearly all the South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Staunchly Catholic Philippines begins period of mourning for Pope Francis
A woman prays the rosary inside the chapel where an image of Pope Francis is displayed, before the requiem mass at the Manila Cathedral, following the Pope's death, in Manila, Philippines, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David REUTERS Filipino Catholics attend the requiem mass for Pope Francis at the Manila Cathedral, followingthe Pope's death, in Manila, Philippines, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David REUTERS People take pictures of the image of Pope Francis displayed on the chapel of Manila Cathedral after the requiem mass, following the Pope's death, in Manila, Philippines, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David REUTERS MANILA - The Philippines began a period of national mourning for Pope Francis on Wednesday, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordering flags on all state buildings across the staunchly Roman Catholic country to fly at half-mast to honour the pontiff. Francis died on Monday aged 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said, ending an often turbulent reign in which he repeatedly clashed with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised. "Pope Francis holds a special place in the hearts of the Filipino people," Marcos said in a presidential proclamation, adding that the period of mourning would continue until Francis' funeral at the Vatican on Saturday. "The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for the Filipino people, who recognise him as global leader of compassion and tireless advocate of peace, justice and human dignity," the proclamation said. The Philippines is home to more than 80 million Catholics, or nearly 80% of the population, making it one of only two majority Christian nations in Asia along with tiny East Timor. Francis drew a record crowd of up to seven million people at a historic Mass in Manila during a visit in 2015. Since his death on Monday, the Catholic Church has held Masses across the Philippines for Francis. At the Baclaran Church in Manila, some worshippers on Wednesday wore shirts bearing Pope Francis' image - leftover merchandise from his 2015 visit. Emma Avancena, 76, who was a volunteer during the pope's visit, said she felt sad about his death but added: "I feel blessed because we were blessed face to face, eye to eye (during the visit).' REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
